“We’ll work something out,” he continued. “But he would like to come to Washington. We want to see everything work out well for New York.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said no date or time has been set for Mamdani and Trump to meet.

Mamdani, a socialist who will be sworn in on New Year’s Day after his victory earlier this month, has struck a defiant tone against Trump. He told the president to “turn the volume up” in his victory speech, which was laden with criticism of Trump, on election night. However, Mamdani has said he’s willing to meet with the president to discuss affordability mainly.

“I will be reaching out to the White House as we prepare to actually take office,” Mamdani said last week, noting their relationship will be key “to the success of the city.”

“[If] President Trump wants to speak about lowering the cost of living or delivering cheaper groceries, like he ran on [in 2024], I’m there to have that conversation,” Mamdani added. “I’m here to work for the benefit of everyone that calls the city home, and that wherever there is a possibility for working together toward that end, I’m ready, and if [the administration’s policies] are to the expense of those New Yorkers, I will fight.”

Trump has falsely labeled Mamdani a “communist” and suggested he will not deliver federal funds to New York while serving as mayor. The president endorsed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, despite his history as a Democrat, over Mamdani in the mayoral race.

However, there are signs that Trump considers Mamdani, 34, a worthy political opponent. The president has said he considers the mayor-elect “slick” and a “good talker,” according to the New York Times.

The pair will likely battle in the coming months as Mamdani takes office. Trump is expected to implement his immigration agenda in New York, which Mamdani has said he will resist, as he wants to make New York “the strongest sanctuary city in the country.”

WHY THE SOCIALIST MAYOR-ELECT OF SEATTLE DIDN’T EARN THE DSA’S ENDORSEMENT

“Zohran won’t back down from Trump’s siege on vulnerable New Yorkers,” Mamdani’s campaign plan for Trump says. “As an Assemblymember, he has stood up to Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, and has demanded, alongside queer and trans New Yorkers, that private hospitals offer essential care. As Mayor, he will ensure he defends every New Yorker from Trump’s attacks.”

Mamdani has said he will use newly hired city lawyers to combat the Trump administration if it pulls federal funding. The mayor-elect’s campaign has described the plans aimed against the president as “Trump-proofing” the city.